HC Deb 24 July 1916 vol 84 cc1310-1
35. Major ASTOR

asked whether cocaine can now only be sold to civilians as well as to soldiers on a doctor's certificate or prescription; whether the purchaser is obliged to give up the certificate or prescription to the vendor and whether any record is kept of the number of certificates given by and the amount of cocaine ordered by individual doctors?

36. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to two cases, in one of which a Frenchwoman was convicted of selling spirits in an infamous house in Great Peter Street, Westminster, frequented by soldiers of overseas contingents, while, in the other, two men and a woman were convicted of selling cocaine to members of His Majesty's Forces, a penalty of one month's imprisonment in the first case and imprisonment for a few days to a few months in the second being the only punishment that could be inflicted; whether he will introduce legislation for dealing adequately with crimes so revolting and hurtful to the Army; and whether meanwhile such premises could be seized and occupied under the Defence of the Realm Act by the police or the military authorities?

Mr. SAMUEL

My attention has been drawn to the cases referred to. I will consider whether any steps can be taken with a view to increasing the penalties for the illicit sale of intoxicating liquor to soldiers. As regards the sale of cocaine, a medical prescription is not required under the present law. The maximum penalty for illicit sale is six months' imprisonment and a fine of £100. The new Regulations on this subject which I announced in the House recently will be submitted, I hope, at the next meeting of the Privy Council.

Sir H. CRAIK

Would it not be possible, pending legislation, to take possession of the premises as suggested in the last part of my question?

Mr. SAMUEL

I propose to consider the hon. Member's suggestion. I should not like to say off-hand.

Mr. RAFFAN

Will provision be made in the new Regulations for the supply of necessary quantities of cocaine to dental practitioners, both registered and unregistered?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir, that is being provided for.

Mr. RAFFAN

For both registered and unregistered dental practitioners?

Mr. SAMUEL

I must ask for notice of that.